I'd like a frying pan/skillet/omelette pan that can be used on an induction hob and under a grill (without its handle, as my grill operates only when the oven door is closed). I don't mind if the pan has two side handles but am not sure about detachable handles.I have not much faith in detachable handles: they have a nasty habit of becoming detached at the wrong moment. Like you, I have an induction hob, and like to finish things like frittatas under the grill. I use cast-iron pans of various sizes, with cast handles. I inherited mine, and they are virtually nonstick thanks to constant use over years. I wash them in hot water, never washing-up liquid. You can buy enamelled versions; try Chasseur, £49.99 for 28cm, from pots-and-pans.co.uk, or Le Creuset, £71 for 26cm, from House of Fraser.

A recent Guardian article quoted sources as saying raw bean sprouts are as dangerous as raw oysters. I've always sprouted my own beans and chick peas. Am I at risk?If you've been sprouting bean sprouts with no ill-effects, then whatever you're doing, it's fine. However, it is true that bean sprouts are frequent causes of food poisoning. That's either because of contaminated stock or because the warm, wet conditions in which they germinate are also conducive to a lively microbe population. So it's good to eat them as fresh as possible, keep them well refrigerated and cook them.